The planning of an effective oiled wildlife response will require the inputs and cooperation of many stakeholders including administrators, oiled wildlife response experts, oil spill response experts, competent authorities and others. The following critical issues should be taken into account:

Decision making/management framework

The plan should clearly describe procedures and responsibilities at every stage of the wildlife response, including e.g. notification, mobilisation, operational coordination and demobilisation.

Integration

An oiled wildlife response plan that is not integrated into an overall oil spill response plan may be less effective or even counterproductive in the case of a larger incident. A section is needed that describes how the wildlife response plan relates to other existing response plans under which, or in relation to which, it can be mobilised.

Response strategies

The plan should provide guidance for strategic considerations in the aftermath of a reported oil spill. There are several options for an active intervention in order to prevent wildlife from becoming oiled or to minimise the effects of oiling.

Hands-on expertise

Dealing with affected wildlife requires pre-identified hands-on expertise that can be quickly mobilised, depending on the strategies chosen. Wildlife rehabilitation is carried out by experienced personnel and trained volunteers from permanent rehabilitation centres or specialised groups. The animal welfare aspects (including euthanasia) should be overseen by veterinarians, preferably trained for dealing with oiled wildlife. Some countries involve licensed hunters to assist with minimising the suffering of animals in the field. Scientists and stranding networks are normally involved in the systematic collection and analysis of dead animals.

Facilities and equipment

Which facilities will be available for the response, and what role will they play at different stages of the response? How well are they equipped, and is additional equipment needed? A list of pre-identified suppliers of specialised equipment and consumables is useful.

Resources

Resources such as experts, hands-on personnel (staff and volunteers), equipment, required facilities (existing facilities or temporary ones) and budgets need to be identified. The financial implications of the plan for different stakeholders and participants should be well considered and special arrangements (e.g. an emergency fund) may be needed to ensure the guaranteed availability of financial resources immediately after the plan is mobilised.

Exercises

It is recommended that exercises are regularly held to test the oiled wildlife response plan. Ideally, the wildlife response is tested as part of a larger oil spill response exercise. This would assess and optimise the level of integration of the wildlife aspects into the overall plan.

The IMO/IPIECA Guide to Oil Spill Exercise Planning (1996) states on exercises:
The benefits of exercises are many. Response teams are provided with the opportunity to practice skills that will be required in an emergency, to work together closely and develop relationships, and to make complex decisions under stressful circumstances. Plans, equipment and systems will be tested and, with proper feedback, recommendations made for their improvement. And, by allowing the public, media and key local organizations to observe and perhaps participate, government and industry can demonstrate their commitment to managing the risk of oil spills and protecting the environment.

Evaluation/updates

The wildlife response plan should also be evaluated, ideally following an exercise or an incident in which it was used. Regular updates of data such as contact details of individuals or organisations are needed and the plan should include a time schedule for this.